Jack Gardner
Ozark, Missouri

Jack Gardner, age 92, went peacefully to his heavenly home October 21, 2019 at the Ozark Riverview Manor Nursing Home with his beloved wife Clara laying by his side.

Jack was born to Bernice Gardner and Maude (Glenn) Gardner, Nixa MO July 25, 1927.

Jack owned and operated many businesses in his lifetime, the last one being Apple Jacks Country Store in Ozark- but his favorite business was that of proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, testifying for Him and for everyone to love the Lord.  Jack never met a stranger – he saw Christian potential in everyone.  The story goes - as a small boy while on his way to steal watermelons with his friends- he became sidetracked into a prayer meeting instead of taking home a watermelon he took the Lord Jesus Christ home with him and so his story begins.

Jack and Clara Mae (Harding) Gardner were united in marriage May 22, 1946.  To this union three sons were born: Kerry, Ron and Mark.  Jack was preceded in death by his parents; son Ron; two sisters; and one brother.  Jack is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Clara Mae; son Kerry Gardner and wife Carol, Nixa and son Mark Gardner and wife Gretchen, Highlandville; three grandsons: Dr. Erin Gardner, St. Louis, Matt Gardner and wife Sara, Nixa and Joshua Gardner, Ozark; six granddaughters: Tonya Gardner Murfin, Fremont Hills, Brooke Gardner Lane and husband Phil, Dallas, TX, Bethany Reser Foster, Dallas, TX, Molly Gardner Combs and husband Chris, Rogersville, Elizabeth Gardner Statler and husband Bryan, Highlandville and Zoe Gardner, Highlandville; eleven great-grandchildren: Laikyn and Madden Murfin, Abigail, Catherine, Margaret and Joseph Gardner, Carson and Chloe Combs, Paige and Alli Gardner and Everly Statler; also special daughter-in-law Carla Pope Gardner and foster daughter Debbie Eubanks and husband Dan, daughter Megan and son Gara.

Jack enjoyed reading the Bible, going to church, fishing, gardening and spending precious moments with his family, friends and little dog- "Spunky".

Of everything "DanDad" taught us, we will hold these words in our heart, "if Jesus is first in your life-everything will fall into place."

We will miss him and ALWAYS love him but will also rejoice with our Savior and the Angels in Heaven "Knowing Jack Gardner is Home."

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand.
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand;
The Angel said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above.
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But when I walked
Through Heaven's Gates,
I felt so much at home,
For God looked down,
Smiled at me, And told me
"Welcome Home."
So, when tomorrow starts without me.
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there in your heart…

~Unknown~

Jack asked the Lord a few months ago – "Why am I still here?  I received no answer.  It came to me that same night – I'm here to pray for my family."

We love you DanDad!

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2019 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home.